Karakol, formerly (1889–1921, 1939–91) Przhevalsk,city, eastern Ysyk-köl oblast oblasty(province), Kyrgyzstan, at the northern foot of the Terskey-Alatau Teriskey Alatau (Teskey Ala) Mountains at an elevation of 5,807 feet (1,770 mmetres) on the Karakol River. The city was founded in 1869 as a Russian military and administrative outpost; it was twice renamed for the Russian explorer Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky, who died there in 1888. It Karakol has many food and other light industries, a teacher-training institute, a theatre, and a museum. Pop. (1991 est.1999) 64,300322.